About Us

Bridge of Hope (BoH) was established in 2003 when people fled from social unrest to settle in mostly-Christian Manado, in Northern Sulawesi, at the turn of the century. Responding to need, BoH was set up by Australians to help these people out of poverty by making micro-loans so they could establish small businesses, bringing independence and dignity, regardless of religion or race. People were able to settle, eat and clothe themselves, and educate their children.

It was obvious many others in the area were also in dire circumstances, and branches of BoH were opened in Manado, Bitung and Tobelo. During the last 17 years, BoH has helped over 15,000 individuals (mostly women) or about 50,000 indirectly, with a hand up out of poverty. BoH now facilitates groups in self-determination, cooperative help in groups of about 12, and teaches how to save for unforeseen calamities.

Capital was initially raised in Australia, and most ongoing finance still comes from that source. Money from repayment of loans also returns to fund further loans. BoH is delighted to partner with G.D.G., who, for a very modest 7.5%, provides tax deductible receipts, sends our finances quickly and safely to Indonesia, and covers governance and compliance issues to Australian Government standards.
Bridge of Hope is supported by caring individuals, churches and businesses. The Sydney Advocacy Group meet monthly to pray, advocate for BoH, and strategize for fundraising.

The group also enthusiastically support the BoH staff of 13 personally, the Board of 6, and annually groups go to Indonesia to encourage them in their work. The Sydney Group are passionate about the work, and invite others to give, pray, and even visit so this excellent Christian work will flourish.

We thank each one of our precious supporters for their generosity.

What is Bridge of Hope and how Did it Start?

Indonesia

Around the turn of the century, 2000, violence flared up on the Maluku Islands as a result of visiting radical Muslims. Where previously Muslims and Christians had lived in peace, suddenly churches and schools were being burned down, people losing jobs and ten thousand people killed.

Many Christian families sought refuge in Manado and Bitung, in Northern Sulawesi, where the Dutch had left a legacy of Christianity 150 years before. Up to 40% of the population there is currently Christian.

Australia

Pastor Ian Freestone from Ruach Church, Sydney, was disturbed by reports, and decided to go and see himself. He was horrified at the helplessness of so many. He prayed and then asked others for help. A hospital and orphanage was set up near Tobelo. However there was real need among the refugees who had settled in Northern Sulawesi who were poor, homeless, and without means of support.

Ian called two entrepreneurs who had international reputations, David Bassau and David Middleton to see how they could assist. Together with Ian, they appointed a Board and set up a scheme to make micro-enterprise loans, to help people get back on their feet again. Three Bridge of Hope offices were opened: Manado, Tobelo and Bitung.

Together

Since starting, they have helped over 23,000 individual clients, translating into making a difference to around 100,000 people’s lives. Many Australians have helped get Bridge of Hope under way, and continue to support administration costs.

Through the scheme, families have been fed, children enabled to go to school, and to university, many small businesses have been initiated to get thousands out of poverty. People have also been empowered by learning to save and budget, learnt business skills, and the value of group support. The whole area has benefited, and the local government is most supportive and endorses the work

Bridge of Hope's Main Objectives

Mission

To lift families out of poverty, assisting them to become self-reliant through micro-enterprise loans, and savings and loan groups.

Goals

• To provide 350 new people per year with business loans to enable them to start their own businesses and become self-reliant.
• To run 16 training programs per year to provide skills for new and future business owners to gain skills required to make their businesses successful.
• To provide free medical care to 100 patients through outreach partnerships.
• To provide networking opportunities to e4nable partners to share experiences and knowledge with one another.